Big East Conference Preview Capsules

Last year: 10-3, 5-2 in Big East (defeated Vanderbilt 31-24 in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl)

The story: Third-year coach Jones led the Bearcats to a share of the conference title a year after going 4-8 in his first season. The challenge for Jones this year is to replace the Big East offensive (running back Isaiah Pead) and co-defensive (defensive tackle Derek Wolfe) players of the year. The offense will likely center around junior quarterback Munchie Legaux, who saw action when starter Zach Collaros injured his ankle. With receivers Anthony McClung (49 receptions) and Kenbrell Tompkins (44 receptions), the passing game could be a strength. Crafting a running game will be an issue, but the Bearcats do return seven starters on defense. Cincinnati, picked fourth in the preseason media poll, has at least shared the conference title in three of the past four years, so Jones' team should not be underestimated.

CONNECTICUT

Coach: Paul Pasqualoni

Last year: 5-7, 3-4 in Big East

The story: The Huskies return an experienced roster for Paul Pasqualoni's second season. The defense has a gaping hole with the loss of Kendall Reyes, but second team All-Big East defensive end Trevardo Williams (12.5 sacks) is among nine starters returning and the unit is considered a strength. On offense, the Huskies will have two second-team All-Big East players back in tight end Ryan Griffin (33 receptions) and running back Lyle McCombs (1,151 yards). But the Huskies will need to improve on an offense that averaged a Big East-worst 194.7 yards a game and the passing game (118.5 yards a game) remains a concern. Finding stability at quarterback will be a major issue, but junior college transfer Chandler Whitmer could be the answer. UConn failed to earn a bowl berth last year, ending four-year postseason run. After a full season under Pasqualoni's staff, the Huskies should be in the hunt for a bowl.

LOUISVILLE

Coach: Charlie Strong

Last year: 7-6, 5-2 in Big East (lost to North Carolina State 31-24 in the Belk Bowl)

The story: The preseason favorite returns 17 starters from a team that shared the Big East title by winning five of its last six regular season games. The offense will be led by quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who started 10 games and was Big East freshman of the year. Bridgewater (2,129 yards, 14 touchdowns) improved throughout the season and led the Cardinals to their late-season run. The Cardinals were ranked 103rd in the country in total offense, but they should be better as Bridgewater matures. And the offense doesn't have to be great. Louisville's defense, among the best in the Big East last year, returns nine starters. The backfield features two All-Big East players, safety Hakeem Smith and cornerback Adrian Bushell. The Cardinals need a better start this year, although they do finish with four of their final six games at home.

PITTSBURGH

Coach: Paul Chryst

Last year: 6-7, 4-3 in Big East (lost to SMU 28-6 in the BBVA Compass Bowl)

The story: A lame-duck program entering its final year in the Big East before joining the ACC, the Panthers welcome yet another new coach after Todd Graham bolted. Former Wisconsin assistant Paul Chryst inherits a .500 team that has been in the postseason four consecutive years. With quarterback Tino Sunseri (2,616 passing yards) and running back Ray Graham (958 rushing yards) returning, the Panthers should be good enough for another bowl bid. The offense figures to thrive under Chryst, a former offensive coordinator. But the defense, which lost six starters, could be a weakness. The biggest challenge for Pittsburgh's experienced players will be adjusting to another playbook. This is the third coaching staff in three years, which can't be easy for college kids. How quickly they adapt to Chryst and his staff will determine if the Panthers are an upper echelon Big East team.

RUTGERS

Coach: Kyle Flood

Last year: 9-4, 4-3 in Big East (defeated Iowa State 27-13 in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl)

The story: Greg Schiano, the coach who transformed the program, has left for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Scarlet Knights never won the Big East title under Schiano, but the team appeared in six bowl games in seven years and emerged as a perennial title contender. It will be up to former assistant coach Kyle Flood to continue the success. Rutgers, picked for third in the media preseason poll, returns 15 starters from a team that was in position to share the conference title before losing to UConn in the final regular season game. Receiver Mohamed Sanu is a huge loss on offense, but Rutgers returns leading rusher Jawan Jamison (897 yards) along with quarterbacks Chas Dodd and Gary Nova. The defense returns eight starters, led by linebacker and Big East co-defensive player of the year Khaseem Greene. On paper, this team should be a title contender.